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Visiting hours

On most Critical Care Units visiting hours are open, however mornings are often very busy and Intensive Therapy Units have quiet periods between 2 and 3.30p.m. in the afternoons where patients are encouraged to rest without interruption to aid their recovery.

Visitors will be asked to leave during ward rounds, usually between 9 and 10.30am and may be asked to wait while we carry out procedures - this is unavoidable and we appreciate your understanding at this time.

Ward 18, RVI (Critical Care Unit)

Ward 18 is an Adult Critical Care Unit specialising in major neurosurgery or a traumatic injury, where patients receive maximum support for their illness or surgery.

The Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) is home to the city's Accident & Emergency Department and is a major trauma and neurosurgical centre, so patients with serious head, orthopaedic (including spinal) and other traumatic injuries can be admitted to this Critical Care Unit for emergency care and treatment, as well as those who require major and complex neurosurgery. The home ventilation service is also based on this unit.

The Trust’s Critical Care areas are all mixed sex areas, accommodating both male and female patients in combinations of open bays and single patient cubicles. This is to allow close observation of our patients, or sometimes in the case of cubicles, to control infection. It is also because of the equipment needed around each bed area. However, to ensure the privacy and dignity of our patients, all bed areas are fitted with either curtains or blinds.

Critical Care Units can be quite busy places and often alarms will sound. They do not mean that anything is wrong. They are usually reminding us to do something, such as change a drip.

All patients are attached to a monitor that shows heart rhythm, pulse and blood pressure. They often receive oxygen from facemask, or a ventilator (breathing machine) if they need help to breathe. The nurse at the bedside will explain all the equipment when you visit if required.

Enquires are welcome at any time, day or night. In the case of large families could we request that one family member be elected to enquire and then pass on messages to the rest of the family.

How to find us

Directions to the wardShow [+]Hide [-]

Ward 18 (Critical Care Unit) is located on Level 5 of New Victoria Wing at the RVI.

If you come through the Main Entrance of New Victoria Wing, take the lifts or stairs (opposite the reception desk) up to Level 5 and follow the signs Ward 18 (Critical Care Unit), taking you over the bridge across the Main Atrium.

If you come by car and have parked in the Multi Storey Car Park, follow the signs taking you to the Main Atrium of New Victoria Wing and again, take the stairs or lift up to Level 5 and follow the signs for Ward 18 (Critical Care Unit).

Staff you are likely to meet

All members of staff can be identified by their name badges and they will introduce themselves.

A doctor is readily available most of the time.

On the Critical Care Unit there is usually one nurse for every one or two patients per shift.

Physiotherapists visit regularly to help patients to exercise and to help them clear their chests to prevent or treat possible infection.

Things you need to know

On arrival, please press the doorbell and wait until a member of staff can attend to you.

On most Critical Care Units visiting hours are open, however mornings are often very busy and Intensive Therapy Units have quiet periods between 2 and 4pm in the afternoons where patients are encouraged to rest without interruption to aid their recovery.

Due to limited space, usually only two people can be at the bedside at a time, but this is flexible as circumstances allow.

Visitors will be asked to leave during ward rounds, usually between 9 and 10.30 a.m.

Visitors may be asked to wait while we carry out procedures, this is unavoidable.

Accommodation may be available for relatives of critically ill patients who live some distance from the hospital.

Visitors should access and pay for hospital parking as directed at the Pay and Display in the car parking areas. In special circumstances, with the approval of the nurse in charge of the unit, it may be possible to make a local arrangement for immediate relatives/next of kin to park their car when visiting for prolonged periods.

Translators are available for those people who cannot speak English.

All medical, nursing staff and visitors must wash or gel their hands before entering and on leaving the Unit to prevent infection.

All visitors should remove their coats (or equivalent) and leave them on the hooks provided before entering the Unit, but should take any valuables with them.

You can bring in photographs and cards as they recover, favourite music tapes/CD’s can often help patients to rest and relax. Some Units have limited access to CD players, etc. Please ask staff for details.

Regrettably we cannot allow fresh flowers into the Unit for infection control reasons.

Within the Trust’s hospitals there is a strict no smoking policy.

Mobile phones must be turned off before entering any Critical Care area as their signals can interfere with electronic equipment and may endanger patient safety.